2008-09-17 Trailer Securement Results in Wheel Loader Incident

Safety Alert Type:

Log Hauling

Location:

Southern Interior

Date of Incident / Close Call:

2008-09-17

Company Name:

Upper Similkameen Indian Band

Details of Incident / Close Call:

A 966 wheel loader lifted the tridem trailer off a tridem truck at the loading site. When the trailer was high enough the logging truck pulled out from under the elevated trailer. As the truck went forward the elevated trailer reacted violently flipping 180 degrees so the reach faced backwards. Before the driver could stop the truck, or the loader operator could drop the trailer, the loader was pulled over onto its side with the boom resting on the trailer tires.

The loader operator sustained a sprained ankle and bruising. Proper guarding and use of the seat belt prevented further injury. The loader sustained considerable damage. Initial findings indicate the truck driver inadvertently left the trailer hold down chain attached to the rear of the reach.

The driver is positive he had undone his chain. No other reason for the incident could be identified. During investigation of this incident we received eighteen anecdotal reports of similar incidents. None had resulted in injuries or damage. Only one had been documented.

CVSE Standard 10 – Cargo Securement Interpretation Guide Comments: Where the trailer is mounted in a purpose built securement system on the tractor which provides restraint against forward, rearward and sideways movement, at least one tiedown is required to provide restraint in the vertical direction with an aggregate WLL no less than 20% of the weight of the trailer. In cases where the tractor is not equipped with an integral restraint system for the trailer,the trailer must be secured in accordance with the requirements of Part 2 – Division 7 (Vehicles as Cargo).

Many log truck drivers met the intent of the above regulations by welding a hook on the rear of their trailer boom and using their safety chains as a tie down. (Pictures below) Numerous drivers reported periodically forgetting to undo their tie downs. If the tie down is fastened to the middle of the trailer the loader can’t lift the trailer. If the tie down is attached to the rear of the boom the trailer can be lifted, the truck start forward and nothing may be noticed until the reach is pulled straight into the air and force exerted on the loader. This is often too late to allow a reaction by operators.